You just provided a possible bridge between one of David Marx' conclusions in Status and Culture (that the internet has killed subcultures) and the underpinnings to how an internet era subculture actually emerges, and thrives
Viewed one-dimensionally, the other concept that requires clarification is gate-keeping. Only seen to be a fence, its hinge is forgotten. A gate is the passage between interior and exterior, from one space to another, private to public, mine to another's. It is both about keeping out and allowing in. The current conception of “gate-keeping” is exclusionary, cast aside its ability of letting people in. It is just as much about blocking someone’s presence as cautiously permitting entry. Whereas a fence is defensive, a gate is where defensiveness can fall — where trust is tested. Gate-keeping is yes about exclusion — you can’t sit with us — but also the process of self-protection, of deciding who enters your “home,” where you let your guard down. Selective in either instance, one establishing a hierarchy and the other an intimate gesture — exposing one’s vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses. A gate is an architectural reminder that you’re entering private grounds, sacred space. In an era where we constantly share our lives, gatekeeping can facilitate calm and intimacy, where one can make mistakes and embody eccentricities without worrying about others’ eager eyes, their judgements. Stepping through the threshold via a gate is a reminder that someone else’s world is precious, not to be publicized on your terms — you’re in their home. This second dimension, the empathetic cousin of privacy, deserves recognition, as well.
Love the use of Charlie and Kendrick as symbols on opposite of the gatekeeping axis… love a return to exclusivity, gatekeeping etc. we’ve veered too far into making every accessible for all to enjoy. Some things take, and demand, effort to enjoy. Effort doesn’t guarantee success or enjoyment but I don’t think anything is worth exploring without that effort, that friction.
You just provided a possible bridge between one of David Marx' conclusions in Status and Culture (that the internet has killed subcultures) and the underpinnings to how an internet era subculture actually emerges, and thrives
In total agreement. Wrote this a few months ago:
The Other Side of Gate-Keeping
Viewed one-dimensionally, the other concept that requires clarification is gate-keeping. Only seen to be a fence, its hinge is forgotten. A gate is the passage between interior and exterior, from one space to another, private to public, mine to another's. It is both about keeping out and allowing in. The current conception of “gate-keeping” is exclusionary, cast aside its ability of letting people in. It is just as much about blocking someone’s presence as cautiously permitting entry. Whereas a fence is defensive, a gate is where defensiveness can fall — where trust is tested. Gate-keeping is yes about exclusion — you can’t sit with us — but also the process of self-protection, of deciding who enters your “home,” where you let your guard down. Selective in either instance, one establishing a hierarchy and the other an intimate gesture — exposing one’s vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses. A gate is an architectural reminder that you’re entering private grounds, sacred space. In an era where we constantly share our lives, gatekeeping can facilitate calm and intimacy, where one can make mistakes and embody eccentricities without worrying about others’ eager eyes, their judgements. Stepping through the threshold via a gate is a reminder that someone else’s world is precious, not to be publicized on your terms — you’re in their home. This second dimension, the empathetic cousin of privacy, deserves recognition, as well.
Love the use of Charlie and Kendrick as symbols on opposite of the gatekeeping axis… love a return to exclusivity, gatekeeping etc. we’ve veered too far into making every accessible for all to enjoy. Some things take, and demand, effort to enjoy. Effort doesn’t guarantee success or enjoyment but I don’t think anything is worth exploring without that effort, that friction.
Great piece! Totally agree. Would love to hear your take on the role of the critic in the creative world. I feel like it is a lost art.